Folding chair

ABSTRACT

A pair of tubular frame members pivotally join one another, enabling compact folding during non-use and into extended relation for use. A compliant material covers portions of the frame members, forming a sling back and seat readily conforming to the user. A pair of pivot plates affixed at opposite sides of the back frame members includes laterally extending shoulders. The seat frame member is free to rotate in a first direction, bringing the two frame members into substantial nesting registry with one another for the non-use or stacking condition, while rotation in the opposite direction brings portions of the frame member into contact with the laterally extending supporting shoulders to hold the two frame members in the seat configuration during use.

United States Patent 11 1 Milette et al.

[ Sept. 17, 1974 FOLDING CHAIR [76] Inventors: Kenneth A. Milette, 410 St. Anns Dr., Laguna Beach, Calif. 92651; Frank D. Garavelli; Thomas H. Tolleson, both of 1510 Huntington, Murfreesboro, Tenn. 37130 22] Filed: Sept. 11, 1972 21 Appl. N0.: 287,776

[52] US. Cl. 297/55, 297/457 [51] Int. Cl. A47c 4/44 [58] Field of Search 297/56, 55, 57, 46, 31,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 102,180 4/1870 Stewart....

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 695,579 9/1930 France 297/56 Primary ExaminerFrancis K. Zugel Attorney, Agent, or Firm-George J. Netter [5 7 ABSTRACT A pair of tubular frame members pivotally join one another, enabling compact folding during non-use and into extended relation for use. A compliant material covers portions of the frame members, forming a sling back and seat readily conforming to the user. A pair of pivot plates affixed at opposite sides of the back frame members includes laterally extending shoulders. The seat frame member is free to rotate in a first direction, bringing the two frame members into substantial nesting registry with one another for the non-use or stacking condition, while rotation in the opposite direction brings portions of the frame member into contact with the laterally extending supporting shoulders to hold the two frame members in the seat configuration during use.

3 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures FOLDING CHAIR The present invention relates generally to a folding chair, and, more particularly, to an improved folding chair of the sling type in which a tubular frame is covered with a compliant material conforming to the anatomy of the user.

In accordance with the present invention, a pair of tubular frame members are pivotally joined to one another, enabling folding into compact relation during non-use and into extended relation for use. A compliant material covers portions of the two frame members, forming a sling back and seat which readily conforms to the user when the frame members are extended to form a chair proper. A primary feature is the provision of a pair of pivot plates of special construction affixed at opposite sides of one of the frame members, including laterally extending shoulders against which portions of the otherframe members are supportingly received. The frame member is free to rotate in a first direction, bringing the two frame members into substantial nesting registry with one another for the non-use or stacking condition while rotation in the opposite direction brings portions of the frame member into contact with the laterally extending supporting shoulders, thereby serving to hold the two frame members in the seat configuration during use.

Further advantageous features of the folding chair of this invention are its compactness when in folded position, the ease with which the chair may be manipulated from the stacking condition to the using condition, and its over-all simplicity of construction, also a plurality of these chairs may be stacked either vertically or horizontally, as desired.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the chair frame of this invention shown without covering, the frame being depicted in extended form during use as a chair.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention similar to that in FIG. 1 and including a sling covering.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of the chair of this invention.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view in section, showing the chair in folded or stacking condition.

FIG. 5 is an elevational, enlarged view of the connecting means for the frame members.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the supporting pivot plate for joining the frame members of the chair of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Reference is now made to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, in which the overall framelike construction of the chair of this invention is shown and identified generally as at 10. The chair frame includes generally a seat frame or frame member 11 and a back frame or frame member 12 which are pivotally related by a pivot plate means 13 to be described. More particularly, each of the frame members 11 and 12 has a onepiece construction of metal tubing, formed into a generally rectangular elongated arrangement with the long or longitudinally extending side arms being curved about a transverse axis. Thus, as shown, the back frame member 12 is curved longitudinally with the concavity facing the user, thereby adapting to the general curvature of the back of the user. The seat frame member 11, on the other hand. is similarly curved longitudinally about a transverse axis and pivotally connected to the back frame member with the convex side facing upwardly in the seat mode. Also, as will be described, the curved condition of the frame members correspond to each other in assembly enabling compact nesting during stacking.

The upper end of 12, identified separately as 14, is a transverse end member curved about the frame member longitudinal axis to form an arcuate concavity facing the chair user. This aspect, best seen in FIG. 3, serves to provide a more even and fuller conformance of the chair to the user. Similarly, the outer end 15 of the seat frame 11 is a transverse end member formed arcuately downward in order to provide a concavity that will normally be located just under the back of the knees of a person seated in the chair. This latter feature makes the chair more comfortable for someone sitting in it, in that, as will be more particularly pointed out, the chair covering will be stretched over the arcuate portion thereby providing a resilient surface for the legs.

The other two ends or transverse end members of the chair frame members 11 and 12, identified respectively as 16 and 17, lie in the same plane in assembled condition forming a stable base for the chair.

The portion of the back frame 12 extending above the pivot means 13 and the portion of the seat frame 11 which extends outwardly to terminate in end 15, both include a sheathlike covering 18 of a pliant material. For example, leather, or a number of leather-appearing plastics are excellent for this purpose, being sufficiently firm to retain its shape and present a non-sagging appearance and yet be sufficiently pliant to conform closely to the body of the user.

The firm yet resilient feature of the covering material is also important for maintaining soft regions adjacent the transverse end member 14 and 15. That is, due to the arcuate construction of the members 14 and 15, the tubing in these regions are set out of the main plane of I the side arms of the frame members 11 and 12 such that when the covering is stretched thereover, the covering is held spaced from the cross members 14 and 15. Accordingly, the chair user will be afforded a more comfortable sitting aspect with high pressure points, back of the knees and high on the back, being eliminated.

Reference is now made especially to FIGS. 5 through 7 and the detailed construction of the pivot plate means 13. The means comprises a substantially flat, generally triangular portion 19 and a stop or detenting shoulder 20 integral with the portion 19. Specifically, the shoulder 20 is formed from an edge of the portion 19 and extends at substantially therefrom. When viewed along the plane of portion 19, the shoulder is seen to include an arcuate concavity 21 which, as will be described, fittingly receives the tubular portion of the frame member 11.

It is contemplated that the pivot plate means 13 will be fabricated by a stamping process from sheet steel or the like. In order to reinforce the shoulder 20, which is a primary supporting element of the means 13, during fabrication a central portion 21 thereof is distended upwardly and outwardly of the general plane of the remainder of the shoulder, serving to stiffen or enhance the shoulder resistance to bending forces applied to the shoulder generally parallel to 19.

The pivot plate means includes a pair of mounting openings 22 and 23 in the triangular plate 19, the centerline of which extends at substantially 90 from the shoulder 20. A pair of rivets 24 and 25- are received through the pivot plate openings 22 and 23 and through similar openings 26 and 27 provided at substantially the midpoint of each of the long side tube elements of the back frame member 12 for securing the pivot plate means to the frame member. As shown best in FIG. 5, the stop of detenting shoulder 20 extends transversely of the frame member 12 with the plate 19 affixed to the frame member below the shoulder or closer to the end 17 with a projecting portion 28 of the plate 19 extending outwardly from the frame member 12 on its concave curved side.

The seat frame member 11 is pivotally connected to the portion 28 by a rivet means 29 at substantially the midpoint of each of its long side members, a washer 30 located between the portion 28 and the tubular member 11 spacing the tubular member sufficiently therefrom to reduce frictional engagement and thereby enhance ease of rotation. By this connection, the frame member 11 is rotatable to a stacking or non-use position in which the long side members of the two frames are in a spaced generally parallel relation as shown in FIG. 4 or at the position illustrated in FIGS. l-3, for example, for use as a seat. In the latter position the weight of the individual sitting on the chair, exerted downwardly on and other portions immediately adjacent thereto, exerts an upward force generally along the centerline of rivets 24 and 25 against the lower surface of the stop or detent shoulder with the rivet 29 serving as a fulcrum.

As a further aspect of the invention, reference is now made to FIG. 3 in which it is to be noted that although the angle between the seat and back of the chair is substantially 90, the entire seating arrangement is rotated counter-clockwise an angular extent sufficient to provide the user with a more restful attitude and as well shifting the application of the users weight on the chair so that the resultant force application is closely directed through the pivot plate means. By this construction, unusually large leverage forces on the pivot plate means are eliminated such as would be produced if the seat portion were maintained in a substantially horizontal attitude.

It is to be particularly noted that when the chair is folded into the non-use mode as in FIG. 4, the frame members of the seat and back are curved in the same direction, providing a relatively flat and compact arrangement facilitating storage or stacking, which, as already noted, may be horizontal or vertical.

What is claimed is:

1. A sling-type chair selectively foldable to a stacking mode and a chair mode, comprising:

a one-piece tubular metal back frame having a pair of longitudinally extending side members and a pair of transverse end members, said transverse end members being substantially shorter than the side members and said side members being arcuately shaped about a transverse axis and one end member being arcuately shaped about a longitudinal axis with the concavity thereof facing in the same direction as that of the side members;

a one-piece tubular metal seat frame having a pair of parallel spaced side members connected by end transverse members, said side members being continuously arcuately shaped about a transverse axis, and one of said end members being formed continuously arcuately about a longitudinal axis with the concavity thereof facing in the direction of convexity of the side members;

plate means affixed to the outer surface of each back side member with portions of the plate means extending outwardly of the side members in the direction of concavity thereof. said plate means having a shoulder extending outwardly at substantially from the plate means, and said shoulder including curved portions which conformingly abut with the seat frame and extend along the tubular seat frame a distance equal to at least the tubular cross section dimension;

pivot pin means interconnecting the side members of the seat frame member with that portion of the. plate means extending outwardly from the back said frame member whereby the seat frame member can be swung about the pivot pin means in a first direction to abut with the shoulder in supporting relation and in the opposite direction for stacking where the two frame members are slightly spaced and generally parallel; and

a covering of resilient form maintaining material received onto an end portion of each frame member forming the back and seat of the chair.

2. A sling-type chair as in claim 1, wherein said seat frame is connected to the plate means via the pivot pin means at a point located forwardly from the general plane of back frame.

3. A sling-type chair selectively foldable to a stacking mode and a chair mode, comprising:

a tubular metal back frame having a pair of longitudinally extending side members and a pair of transverse end members, said transverse end members being substantially shorter than the side members and said side members being arcuately shaped about a transverse axis;

a tubular metal seat frame having a pair of parallel spaced side members connected by end transverse members, said side members being continuously arcuately shaped about a transverse axis;

plate means affixed to the outer surface of each back side member with portions of the plate means extending outwardly of the side members in the direc tion of concavity thereof, said plate means having a shoulder extending outwardly at substantially 90 from the plate means, and said shoulder including curved portions which conformingly abut with the seat frame and extend along the tubular seat frame a distance equal to at least the tubular cross section dimension;

pivot pin means interconnecting the side members of the seat frame member with that portion of the triangular plate extending outwardly from the back said frame member whereby the seat frame member can be swung about the pivot pin means in a first direction to abut with the shoulder in supporting relation and in the opposite direction for stacking where the two frame members are slightly spaced and generally parallel; and

a covering of resilient form maintaining material received onto an end portion of each frame member forming the back and seat of the chair. 

1. A sling-type chair selectively foldable to a stacking mode and a chair mode, comprising: a one-piece tubular metal back frame having a pair of longitudinally extending side members and a pair of transverse end members, said transverse end members being substantially shorter than the side members and said side members being arcuately shaped about a transverse axis and one end member being arcuately shaped about a longitudinal axis with the concavity thereof facing in the same direction as that of the side members; a one-piece tubular metal seat frame having a pair of parallel spaced side members connected by end transverse members, said side members being continuously arcuately shaped about a transverse axis, and one of said end members being formed continuously arcuately about a longitudinal axis with the concavity thereof facing in the direction of convexity of the side members; plate means affixed to the outer surface of each back side member with portions of the plate means extending outwardly of the side members in the direction of concavity tHereof, said plate means having a shoulder extending outwardly at substantially 90* from the plate means, and said shoulder including curved portions which conformingly abut with the seat frame and extend along the tubular seat frame a distance equal to at least the tubular cross section dimension; pivot pin means interconnecting the side members of the seat frame member with that portion of the plate means extending outwardly from the back said frame member whereby the seat frame member can be swung about the pivot pin means in a first direction to abut with the shoulder in supporting relation and in the opposite direction for stacking where the two frame members are slightly spaced and generally parallel; and a covering of resilient form maintaining material received onto an end portion of each frame member forming the back and seat of the chair.
 2. A sling-type chair as in claim 1, wherein said seat frame is connected to the plate means via the pivot pin means at a point located forwardly from the general plane of back frame.
 3. A sling-type chair selectively foldable to a stacking mode and a chair mode, comprising: a tubular metal back frame having a pair of longitudinally extending side members and a pair of transverse end members, said transverse end members being substantially shorter than the side members and said side members being arcuately shaped about a transverse axis; a tubular metal seat frame having a pair of parallel spaced side members connected by end transverse members, said side members being continuously arcuately shaped about a transverse axis; plate means affixed to the outer surface of each back side member with portions of the plate means extending outwardly of the side members in the direction of concavity thereof, said plate means having a shoulder extending outwardly at substantially 90* from the plate means, and said shoulder including curved portions which conformingly abut with the seat frame and extend along the tubular seat frame a distance equal to at least the tubular cross section dimension; pivot pin means interconnecting the side members of the seat frame member with that portion of the triangular plate extending outwardly from the back said frame member whereby the seat frame member can be swung about the pivot pin means in a first direction to abut with the shoulder in supporting relation and in the opposite direction for stacking where the two frame members are slightly spaced and generally parallel; and a covering of resilient form maintaining material received onto an end portion of each frame member forming the back and seat of the chair. 